About SRP

Gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease) is started when plaque, bacteria, and acid accumulate where the teeth and gums meet (the gum pockets), which leads to gum bleeding, inflammation, chronic bad breath, a receding gumline, and other problems. The first procedure to deal with the first stage of gum disease is scaling and root planing (also known as SRP), which brings back the health of the mouth by deep cleaning beneath the gumline, then smoothing out the tooth enamel to limit future deposits. After one or several SRP treatments at DentalWorks - Winston Salem in Winston Salem, NC by our dentists, the teeth and gums are often cured and the patient's concerns will start to clear up.

What to Expect

For the SRP treatment, our dentists will put local anesthesia on the needed areas. Sedation can be added to the anesthesia to help the patient keep calm and comfortable during the treatment. To get to all sections of the gum pockets and scrap off the tartar and plaque deposits, our dentists will use a hand scaling instrument or an ultrasonic cleaning instrument. As soon as the gum pocket is thoroughly cleaned, our dentists will decrease the places where tartar and plaque can become stuck by smoothing (planing) the enamel of the tooth. Following the treatment, the gum tissue can start to repair and reattach correctly to the tooth root. A few patients may have more than one procedure to achieve their ideal results.

Treatment Aftercare

After the SRP procedure is finished, patients sometimes have some inflammation and/or bleeding of the gums for several days. To keep the mouth clean at home after the SRP treatment, patients should ask about correct techniques for brushing and flossing their teeth so they can follow the best home care practice. Patients should also be certain to make an appointment for dental exams every year at DentalWorks - Winston Salem or as advised by our dentists. Our dentists will often schedule a check up appointment several months after the treatment to assess the patient's condition.

More Information

Insurance Coverage

Because SRP is usually a medically required procedure for gingivitis, standard dental insurance policies will pay for part of all of the expenses of the treatment. DentalWorks - Winston Salem will call the patient's insurance company to determine their precise coverage and personal expenses. Patients can also inquire about payment methods and financing plans in their consultation with our dentists.

Plan Your Procedure

Clean, Healthy Gums

To stop more serious levels of periodontal disease, scaling and root planing (SRP) at DentalWorks - Winston Salem in Winston Salem, NC is an efficient, nonsurgical procedure that may help to heal symptoms like bad breath, bleeding gums, gum recession and loose teeth. Scaling and root planing by our dentists take your dental health back on track and lets you a beautiful, healthy smile.